Northern District of Indiana

SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Jason Arthur Keltz, age 36, of Osceola, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Keltz was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by two (2) years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, on March 20, 2017, the St. Joseph County Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Keltz.  Keltz exited the vehicle and ran from the officer.  During the foot pursuit, Keltz pointed a firearm at the officer.  Keltz continued to run away from the officer but was ultimately detained, at which time it was discovered that Keltz was wearing a bulletproof vest. Keltz has multiple prior felony convictions.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Joseph County Police Department, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Artez Brewer, age 30, of Gary, Indiana was convicted of 3 counts of bank robbery, after a three-day jury trial before District Court Senior Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen. 

According to evidence presented in this case, April 28, 2016 Brewer and his accomplice robbed Centier Bank in Griffith, Indiana.  On May 6, 2016, Brewer and his accomplice robbed Main Source Bank in Crown Point, Indiana and on May 27, 2017 Brewer and his accomplice robbed Horizon Bank in Whiting, Indiana. 

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Crown Point, Hammond and Whiting Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Chang and Thomas McGrath.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Anastacia Vann Maclin, age 46, of Merrillville, Indiana was convicted of embezzlement and theft from the Indiana Medicaid program, after a two-day jury trial before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon. 

According to evidence presented in this case, Maclin was hired in January 2015  by a local physician in East Chicago, Indiana to function as the physician’s office manager and biller. 

Beginning in April 2015 and continuing through July 2016 Maclin diverted more than $30,000 of Indiana Medicaid payments designated for her employer to a bank account that only she knew about and controlled.  Maclin also applied for, received and diverted a 2015 bonus payment of more than $20,000 Indiana Medicaid was paying physicians for using electronic medical records by falsely representing the claim was being submitted by and for her employer.  

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Jacky Jacobs.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Edward Bishop, age 26, of Lafayette, Indiana was convicted of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, after a two-day jury trial before District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. 

According to documents filed in this case, in June of 2017, Bishop was indicted for using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  According to trial evidence, Bishop went to sell a small amount of marijuana in a parking lot in Warsaw, Indiana.  During that transaction, Bishop ended up shooting at and wounding the drug buyer in the left arm. 

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend and Warsaw Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND –United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Hulian Terrell III, age 34, of Schererville, IN, was sentenced before Hammond Senior Judge James T. Moody for filing false claims and identity theft. 

Terrell was sentenced to 27 months followed by 2 years of supervised release.  Terrell was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $551,647.

According to documents in this case, the defendant pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent federal and state tax returns utilizing the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of incarcerated individuals without their knowledge, authority, or permission.  Terrell obtained the personal identifying information of these individuals by accessing various websites including Department of Corrections’ websites.  The fraudulent refunds were received through the United States Mail and electronically.  These fraudulent filings led to fraudulent federal and state refunds being issued in the names of these individuals, but received by the defendant.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Toi Denise Houston.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Rashawn Moffitt, age 31, of Niles, Michigan, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.   

Moffitt was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment followed by two (2) years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, On May 8, 2017, South Bend Police encountered Rashawn Moffitt in a parking lot as he got out of the driver’s seat of a car.  On the driver’s floorboard of that car was a loaded handgun with an extended magazine. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND –United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Javon Kennedy, 43, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced on December 7, 2017 by District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Kennedy was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, on January 24, 2017, defendant was stopped for speeding in Hobart, Indiana. As the officer approached defendant’s car he noticed defendant’s breathing was heavy and his hands were shaking. Defendant retrieved his driver’s license, registration and insurance from the glove box. The officer noticed a white powdery residue near the center cup holder and asked defendant and his passenger if there was anything illegal in the car.  Kennedy pointed to his female passenger stating “She has it." Officers recovered 25 grams of cocaine from defendant and the passenger.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation GRIT in cooperation with the Hobart Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Mahoney.

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HAMMOND –United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Lloyd Bruce, 43, of Hammond, IN, was sentenced on December 7, 2017 by District Court Judge James T. Moody for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  

Bruce was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release. 

According to Court filings, in April of 2015, Bruce was arrested and charged by the State of Indiana for possession with the intent to deliver cocaine and for carrying a firearm without a license.  While on bond for his 2015 offense, Bruce purchased a building in East Chicago with the stated purpose of turning it into a “social club”.  In the fall of 2016, the DEA linked Bruce to a drug trafficking organization operating out of East Chicago and learned that Bruce was utilizing the “social club” to sell crack cocaine procured from another member of the drug trafficking organization.  The DEA intercepted phone calls between Bruce and one of his co-conspirators where they utilized code language to discuss Bruce’s distribution of crack cocaine at the “social club.” With the help of a confidential informant, the DEA also conducted two controlled buys of crack cocaine directly with Bruce at the “social club”. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with the East Chicago Police Department, Hammond Police Department and the Lake County Prosecutors Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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HAMMOND –United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Jeffery Sims, 58, of East Chicago, IN, was sentenced on December 5, 2017 by District Court Judge James T. Moody for possession with intent to distribute crack and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Sims was sentenced to 106 months imprisonment which consisted of consecutive sentences of 46 months for Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and 60 months for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Sims was also sentenced to 2 years of supervised release. 

According to documents filed in this case, the DEA intercepted texts and calls between Sims and his supplier during an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of East Chicago.  Utilizing code language, Sims would order crack cocaine from his supplier on a regular basis for delivery to customers on behalf of the drug trafficking organization.  Law enforcement approached Sims after one of the communications with his supplier and arrested him after finding him in possession of crack cocaine and a firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with the East Chicago Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

HAMMOND –United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Robert E. Stochel, age 64, of Crown Point, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody for mail fraud.   

Stochel was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $229,091.97.

According to documents filed in this case, Stochel, a local attorney, and former Tip Top Supermarket receiver was convicted on a charge of mail fraud relating to a scheme he operated from 2001 to June 2012 against the Tip Top Receivership estate.  In his capacity as receiver, Stochel stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the receivership and then attempted to hide that theft from not only the court that appointed him receiver but also from the receivership’s beneficiaries. Stochel was convicted after a 3-day jury trial in May of 2017.

“Attorneys are entrusted with a great deal of power and authority to act on behalf of and in the best interests of their clients,” said US Attorney Kirsch.  “Those who do not, but instead engage in criminal conduct, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz, Alexandra McTague and Maria Lerner.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Tyrone Miller, age 31, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.   

Miller was sentenced to eighty-seven (87) months imprisonment followed by two (2) years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, a jury convicted Miller of felon in possession of a firearm on July 18, 2017.  During the early morning hours of February 11, 2017, two police officers were dispatched to the scene of a car crashed into a pole at an intersection in South Bend.  Mr. Miller was in the driver’s seat, alone and apparently uninjured. At the accident scene, one of the police officers began a pat-down. Midway during the pat-down—and before the officer was able to pat down the front waist of Mr. Miller—Mr. Miller struggled and tried to pull away from the officer. With the help of the second officer, Mr. Miller was immobilized and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle, without his pat-down having been completed. Mr. Miller was then brought to the St. Joseph County Jail for booking. At the jail, when the officers opened the back door of the patrol vehicle in order to get Mr. Miller out of the vehicle, the officers found a handgun on the floor of the vehicle where Mr. Miller’s feet had been.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the South Bend Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Reilander.

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HAMMOND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Arthur Lee Smith Jr., age 60, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before Hammond Senior District Court Judge James T. Moody for filing false claims.   

Smith was sentenced to forty-six (46) months imprisonment followed by two (2) years of supervised release.  Smith will also have to pay restitution in the amount of $313,871.

According to documents in this case, the defendant pleaded guilty to filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of individuals who paid him to file their returns.  Smith held himself out as a tax preparer, using the names “King Solomon” and “Buddy” in his capacity as a tax preparer.  When preparing tax returns for clients, Smith sometimes fraudulently reported an overinflated salary and federal income tax withheld for his clients, and other times fraudulently reported unearned wages, unpaid federal income tax withheld, and/or false dependents.  These fraudulent filings led to fraudulent refunds being issued to Smith’s clients.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Lerner.

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FORT WAYNE – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that, Jermaine Underwood, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by District Court Judge Robert L. Miller Jr., for possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Underwood was sentenced to 57 months and 3 years of supervised release.

According to Court filings, on December 9, 2016, Underwood possessed a package that had been sent through the United States Mail that contained approximately 96 grams of heroin.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Indiana State Police, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Tido Kirby, 37, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen for distribution of heroin. 

Kirby was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

According to Court filings, on November 29, 2016 Kirby sold 4 bags of heroin for $200 to an undercover police officer.  The defendant fled from police and dropped several more bags of heroin which were recovered.  Kirby admitted, before his arrest he purchased 25 grams of heroin for $75 per gram each day from another individual.  Kirby also admitted he sold heroin to approximately 9-10 ten regular customers.    

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas R. Mahoney.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Nathan Kellogg, age 34, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for several robberies in St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties in Indiana.   

Kellogg was sentenced to eighty-five (85) months imprisonment followed by one (1) year of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, Kellogg drove the car when another individual committed several armed robberies.  He drove the robber to the Admiral gas station and a Dollar General store, both in St. Joseph County on January 12, 2017.  He also drove when the other individual robbed the Blacksmith Shop restaurant in LaPorte County and Jet’s Pizza in Mishawaka, Indiana, both on January 14, 2017. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Daniel Mallet, age 32, of Michigan City, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distributing heroin.  

Mallet was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. 

According to documents in this case, on May 5, 2016, Mallet distributed heroin to an individual who was working with law enforcement. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schafer.

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions yesterday announced $98,495,397 in grant funding through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The Attorney General announced funding awards to 179 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 802 additional full-time law enforcement officers.

“Cities and states that cooperate with federal law enforcement make all of us safer by helping remove dangerous criminals from our communities,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Today, the Justice Department announced that 80 percent of this year’s COPS Hiring Program grantees have agreed to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in their detention facilities. I applaud their commitment to the rule of law and to ending violent crime, including violent crime stemming from illegal immigration. I continue to encourage every jurisdiction in America to collaborate with federal law enforcement and help us make this country safer.”

CHP provides grant funding directly to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to support hiring additional law enforcement officers for three years to address specific crime problems through community policing strategies.

In September, the Justice Department announced additional priority consideration criteria for FY2017 COPS Office grants. Applicants were notified that their application would receive additional points in the application scoring process by certifying their willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities within their detention facilities. Cooperation may include providing access to detention facilities for an interview of aliens in the jurisdiction’s custody and providing advance notice of an alien’s release from custody upon request. 143 of the 179 (80%) awarded agencies received additional points based on their certifications of willingness to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The complete list of award recipients can be found here.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We are pleased that the Northern Indiana Police Departments of Fort Wayne and Lafayette received funding to hire more officers.  We have always and will continue to focus on cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement in our fight against crime.”

The COPS Office awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.

HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Gary Smith, 28, of Robbins, Illinois, was sentenced by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen for using counterfeit access devices, illegal possession of device making equipment and aggravated identity theft. 

Smith was sentenced to 61 mos imprisonment and 2 years supervised release to be served consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving in Illinois.  Smith was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,346.

According to Court filings, beginning in August 2014 Smith knowingly and with the intent to defraud used counterfeit access devices, stolen credit card numbers issued to other persons.  He used these numbers without lawful authority in relation to a felony crime of wire fraud.  Smith also possessed device-making equipment. 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.  This case was handled by Assistant United State Attorney Philip C. Benson.

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FORT WAYNE – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch, II, announces that, Eduardo Martinez, age 32 of Fort Wayne, IN was sentenced, before United States District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin, distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.

Martinez was sentenced to a total of 324 months of imprisonment and was ordered to serve a total of 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, Martinez distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana from July of 2013 through December of 2014.  The investigation utilized wiretaps of Martinez's telephones, and the wiretaps revealed that in November and December of 2014, Martinez coordinated an incoming shipment of multiple kilograms of heroin.  The investigation concluded with the seizure of the entire heroin shipment, not all of which was delivered to Martinez, and the arrests of Martinez and six other co-defendants. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Darin Devon Hurd, age 25, of Winona Lake, Indiana was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.      

According to documents in this case, Hurd’s girlfriend was found dead on September 5, 2017in a residence Winona Lake, Indiana.  During a search of the residence, investigators found a loaded Llama 9 millimeter pistol, 21 unused syringes, a digital scale, narcotics packaging materials, and approximately 8.9 grams of heroin. Hurd admitted that he had used heroin with his girlfriend on the morning of September 5, 2017. He further admitted that he regularly sold heroin in the Winona Lake area, turning a profit of approximately $400.00 for every 7 grams of heroin sold. Hurd was previously convicted of Class D Felony Possession of a Schedule V Controlled Substance Without a Prescription in Allen County, Indiana.

“My Office is committed to reducing the availability of heroin on the streets of Northern Indiana,” U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II said in a statement.  “We are focusing the resources of the federal government to investigate and prosecute people who deal in illegal narcotics.”

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Winona Lake Police Department, Warsaw Police Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, and Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Hammond Grand Jury returned an indictment against Thomas Goralczyk, age 51, of Merrillville, Indiana on a federal bribery charge. 

The indictment alleges from February 2013 to February 2014 Goralczyk, while a Merrillville Town Councilman, did knowingly and corruptly solicit, demand, accept and agree to accept bribes from Individual A in exchange for a towing contract between the Town of Merrillville and Individual A’s company.  Goralczyk accepted the following: a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2008 Ford Focus, 4 camper tires and free storage for his personal motorcycle, from Individual A, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transactions or series of transactions of the Town of Merrillville.

Also filed today with the Indictment, was a plea agreement in which Goralczyk will be pleading guilty to the charge contained in Indictment.   The plea agreement signed by Goralczyk states that Goralczyk was first elected as a Merrillville Town Councilman in 2007 and took office in January 2008.  He was re-elected in 2011 and began his 2nd term as 4th ward councilman in January of 2012.  He served as President of the Town Council in 2011 and 2015. Goralczyk also held various other positions on the Merrillville Redevelopment Commission, Lake County Solid Waste Management Board and the governing board of NIRPC (Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission).  As alleged in the indictment, Goralczyk identified that he accepted bribe payments from a Federal Bureau of Investigation “cooperating individual” in the form of two vehicles.  He obtained a Jeep Grand Cherokee for $400 when he knew the value was in excess of $2500.  In an attempt to cover up the bribe, he presented a false bill of sale to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles representing that he paid $1000 for the vehicle.  In addition, Goralczyk accepted a 2008 Ford Focus with a value in excess of $5000.  He paid nothing for this vehicle, but presented a false bill of sale to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles indicating that he paid $2750 for the vehicle.  Goralczyk acknowledged that he accepted both the vehicles for his own personal gain, in exchange for his promise to engage in official conduct by using his influence and power as a Merrillville Town Councilman to obtain a Town of Merrillville towing contract for the FBI “cooperating individual’s” towing company.  A date for the plea hearing has not yet been set.

United States Attorney Kirsch said, “Public officials, like Mr. Goralczyk, elected and entrusted to do the public’s work, are required to do that work free from self-dealing and graft. This is not optional. The public demands and is, in fact, entitled to honest public servants. Mr. Goralczyk violated this trust for the purpose of enriching himself. This will not be tolerated at any level of government. Public corruption must be routed out where it exists. If you are in the community and are aware of an elected or appointed official engaging in illegal conduct, I encourage you to notify the FBI or US Attorney’s Office.”

The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case results from an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.   This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Timothy Bennitt, age 27, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Bennitt was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.  

According to documents in this case, Bennitt committed 6 armed robberies in St. Joseph and LaPorte County restaurants and businesses.  During his January 2017 crime spree, Bennitt used a handgun during these armed robberies.  In addition, during 4 of the robberies, Bennitt was assisted by co-defendant Nathan Kellogg, who drove and provided the car.  Bennitt and Kellogg used the money from the robberies on food, lodging and drugs.  Bennitt’s accomplice, Kellogg pled guilty to 4 of the robberies and is scheduled for sentencing November 21, 2017.  

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, Mishawaka Police Department, South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced the return of a four-count indictment charging Cordero Love, age 25, of South Bend, Indiana with 3 counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and 1 count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.   

According to documents in this case, it is alleged that Love committed 3 robberies in the South Bend/Mishawaka area.  The three robberies are outline below:

• August 13, 2017 a Gas Station in South Bend was robbed by means of actual or threatened force, violence and fear of injury
• On October 1, 2017 a Gas Station in Mishawaka was robbed by means of actual or threatened force, violence and fear of injury. 
• On October 3, 2017, a Gas Station in Mishawaka was robbed during which Love allegedly brandished a firearm.      

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that a grand jury sitting in South Bend returned a 5-count indictment against Eric P. Krieg, age 45, of Munster, Indiana.

Krieg was indicted on the following charges:

• Count 1- Making an Unregistered Destructive Device
• Count 2- Mailing a Destructive Device
• Count 3- Malicious Use of Explosive Materials
• Count 4- Possessing a Destructive Device In Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
• Count 5- Mailing a Threatening Communication

The indictment alleges from at least 2012 through August 2017, Krieg engaged in a series of online postings and communications concerning other residents of Northwest Indiana.  Krieg made these statements in multiple online forums, including a webpage “blog” format that he controlled.  A lawsuit was filed in the Lake County, Indiana Superior Court in 2013 based upon statements Krieg made on his blog.  After the lawsuit was filed against Krieg, he filed for bankruptcy.  Victim 1 was the attorney who represented an individual in a lawsuit against Krieg.  Through filings in Bankruptcy Court, Victim 1 claimed the lawsuit could not be discharged in bankruptcy.  Krieg and Victim 1’s client agreed to settle the lawsuit.  The settlement required Krieg to pay the client $45,000 and post an apology on Krieg’s blog.

The indictment alleges that an explosion took place at an U. S. Postal facility in East Chicago, Indiana on or about September 6, 2017 injuring a Postal Service employee (Victim 2).  The package that exploded was addressed to Victim 1.  The indictment also alleges that on or about September 29, 2017, a suspicious package was mailed to Victim 3 that contained a threat to injure Victim 3.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “When individuals use dangerous, explosive devices as the means to commit or attempt to commit violent acts, those individuals will be held accountable for their actions. We will continue to partner with our Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies to vigorously investigate and prosecute all manner of violent crime.”

The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This complaint results from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshal’s Service; East Chicago Police; Hammond Police; Indiana State Police; Munster Police; and Porter County Sheriff’s Department.    This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua P. Kolar and Jennifer Chang.

SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Justin Birnell, age 30, of Logansport, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

Birnell was sentenced to 85 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.  

According to documents in this case, on February 19, 2017 Birnell knowingly possessed several firearms and ammunition in Logansport, Indiana after being convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than one year. 

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Paul Fowlkes, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on November 2, 2017  by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release for providing false information to a Federal Firearms Licensee in acquiring firearms.  

According to Court filings, the Defendant purchased over 25 firearms during a one year period between March of 2016 and March of 2017 utilizing a false home address on required forms to acquire firearms from Federally Licensed Firearms Distributors within the Northern District of Indiana.  Fowlkes received a sentencing enhancement for trafficking in firearms due to the determination that at least eight of the firearms purchased by him in Indiana were later recovered by law enforcement in the possession of other persons, including juveniles and convicted felons, in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Indianapolis and Chicago Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Sharon Ramos, age 56, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of ten counts of making false entries in government records, two counts of conversion of government money, and one count of wire fraud, after a four-day jury trial before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. 

According to documents filed in this case, from approximately January 2008 and continuing until in and around December 2013 Ramos devised a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.  Ramos, an employee of the Social Security Administration made numerous false and fictitious representations in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) accounts of numerous SSI claimants.  These improper entries in the accounts resulted in numerous SSI claimants obtaining payments they were not entitled to receive.  As a result, Ramos fraudulently converted money belonging to the Social Security Administration. 

United States Attorney Kirsch said, “When a public employee misuses her position to break the law and violate the public trust, we will hold the employee accountable for her actions by prosecution. This case is an example of the outstanding work done by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General to root out fraud and corruption, and in this case, to hold Ms. Ramos accountable for her conduct.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Frank E. Schaffer.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Martin Knight, age 38, of Valparaiso, Indiana was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for one count of possessing child pornography by District Court Judge Philip Simon.

According to documents in this case, between 2000 to 2012, Knight collected and possessed over 17,000 images and 300 videos depicting children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Knight entered a plea of guilty on August 1, 2017.  

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.

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SOUTH BEND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Lawrence Holley, age 45, of South Bend, Indiana was charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to deliver heroin; possession with intent to deliver cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; and armed drug trafficking.

The affidavit supporting the complaint alleges that investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for a house in St. Joseph County.  During that search, agents located narcotics and ammunition.  In October, agents observed Lawrence Holley driving a pickup truck.  Holley had outstanding warrants, so police stopped the truck.  Inside the truck agents found approximately 2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”), quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, and a loaded handgun.  Mr. Holley was also searched, and agents recovered additional quantities of a crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. 

Holley’s detention hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2017, at 2:00 pm before the United States Magistrate Judge for the South Bend Division. 

The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This complaint results from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Elkhart Police; the Indiana State Police; the Mishawaka Police; the South Bend Police; the St. Joseph County Police and the St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that William Salazar, age 41, of Gary, Indiana entered a guilty plea of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity before Judge Phillip Simon.

According to documents in this case, Salazar entered a guilty plea for conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity for his role and participation in the Latin Kings street gang.  Salazar has been in custody since his arrest on August 4, 2016.

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents.  The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office also has provided assistance.  The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick, Dean Lanter and Abizer Zanzi of the Northern District of Indiana.

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SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced the return of a seven-count indictment that alleges a heroin distribution conspiracy.  Named in today’s indictment are:

• Corey Harris, age 22, of South Bend, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (Count 3)
• Isaiah Whitmore, age 25, of South Bend, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (Count 2)
• Reginald Blackburn, age 25, of Mishawaka, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (Count 4)
• Ryan Williams, age 27, of South Bend, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (County 5)
• Terron Taylor, age 22, of Mishawaka, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (Count 6)
• Anthony Owens, age 30, of South Bend, Indiana
  • Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Count 1)
  • Distribution of Heroin (Count 7)

According to documents in this case, from March 2017 up to and including October 2017, the above individuals knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin, in excess of 1 kilogram. 

Four of the individuals named in the indictment have been arrested.  Law enforcement is currently seeking the whereabouts of Corey Harris and Terron Taylor.  If you have any information as to the whereabouts of the above individuals please contact Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Indiana State Police; the Mishawaka Police Department; St. Joseph County Drug Investigations Unit; the St. Joseph County Police Department; the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney; and the United States Marshals Service.  The above agencies were also supported by Project Disarm, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force; the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force; Elkhart Police ICE Unit; and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Gabrielse and Molly Donnelly.

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HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Eric P. Krieg, age 45, of Munster, Indiana was charged with knowing possession of a destructive device and transporting explosive materials.

The complaint alleges that, on or about September 6, 2017, Krieg mailed a package at an US Postal Facility in East Chicago, Indiana that exploded. On or about September 29, 2017, Krieg mailed a suspicious package to another individual.  On October 12, 2017, search warrants were executed on Krieg’s residence, place of employment and vehicle.  After executing the search warrants, Krieg was arrested on the above charges. 

The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.

If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This complaint results from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshal’s Service; East Chicago Police; Hammond Police; Indiana State Police; Munster Police; Porter County Sheriff’s Department.    This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua P. Kolar and Jennifer Chang.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that, Timothy Gilmore, age 37, of Doniphan, Missouri, was sentenced, before United States District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after being convicted of using a computer to entice of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. 

Gilmore was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, between January 8, 2016 and April 18, 2016, Gilmore began communicating with a 16 year old juvenile from Fort Wayne, Indiana, over social media.  The communications transitioned into telephone communications.  During the course of the communications, Gilmore solicited and enticed the juvenile to engage in sexually explicit conduct and to produce videos and still images of said conduct and to transmit the videos and images to him via the internet.  Gilmore then reposted the transmitted images on his on-line blog.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Wayne Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that, Booker T. Sewell, age 37 of Fort Wayne, IN was sentenced, before United States District Court Chief Judge Theresa Springmann after being convicted by a jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and maintaining a drug-involved premises. 

Sewell was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for the gun charge and 192 months imprisonment on the drug charge to run consecutively for a total of 312 months imprisonment.  Sewell will also serve 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $21,917

According to documents in this case, Sewell was distributing multiple kilograms of cocaine and pounds of marijuana from a residence in Fort Wayne.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, whose members are the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Assistance was also provided by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United State Attorney Anthony W. Geller.  

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An alleged member of Chicago’s criminal street gang, the Latin Dragons, has been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. 

According to the criminal complaint, filed yesterday, Manuel Diaz, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, is a member of the Latin Dragons, a criminal gang whose members engage in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping and assault, to protect the gang’s territory and drug operations.  Latin Dragons gang members are required by gang rules to take immediate violent action against anyone who threatens them, and gain respect and status within the gang by doing so.

According to the allegations, on Sept. 30, Diaz engaged in a brief confrontation with the driver of an SUV at a local gas station, during which Diaz’s passenger flashed gang signs at occupants of the SUV and the driver of the SUV displayed a semi-automatic handgun to Diaz.  After Diaz and the SUV left the gas station parking lot, Diaz pursued the SUV in his vehicle.  A third car, traveling with the SUV, intervened and refused to allow Diaz’s vehicle to pass.  According to the allegations, Diaz retrieved a revolver from under the driver’s seat of his vehicle and fired one shot into the third car, striking the driver in the head and killing him.

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Hammond Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, along with the Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois Police. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.

A complaint is merely an allegation and all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

WASHINGTON - An alleged member of Chicago’s criminal street gang, the Latin Dragons, has been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson for the Northern District of Indiana. 

According to the criminal complaint, filed yesterday, Manuel Diaz, 26, of Hammond, Indiana, is a member of the Latin Dragons, a criminal gang whose members engage in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping and assault, to protect the gang’s territory and drug operations.  Latin Dragons gang members are required by gang rules to take immediate violent action against anyone who threatens them, and gain respect and status within the gang by doing so.

According to the allegations, on Sept. 30, 2017, Diaz engaged in a brief confrontation with the driver of an SUV at a local gas station, during which Diaz’s passenger flashed gang signs at occupants of the SUV, and the driver of the SUV displayed a semi-automatic handgun to Diaz.  After Diaz and the SUV left the gas station parking lot, Diaz pursued the SUV in his vehicle.  A third car, traveling with the SUV, intervened and refused to allow Diaz’s vehicle to pass.  According to the allegations, Diaz retrieved a revolver from under the driver’s seat of his vehicle and fired one shot into the third car, striking the driver in the head and killing him.   

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Hammond Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, along with the Chicago and Calumet City, Illinois Police. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joseph A. Cooley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick.

A complaint is merely an allegation and all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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17-1108

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that, Uryan Frymire, age 37, of Fremont Ohio, was sentenced, before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

Frymire was sentenced to 145 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, there was a traffic stop conducted in Texas on January 17, 2017, of a semi-tractor where 62 packages, containing approximately 70 kilograms of a white powdery substance, were found. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. The driver of the semi-tractor, who was the only occupant, said he was destined for Fort Wayne. On January 19, 2017, the driver made a controlled delivery of the cocaine to Frymire who was arrested by Homeland Security Agents.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Allen County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department, Greenville, Indiana Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that Ronnie C. Cosby, age 42, of Hammond, Indiana was convicted of 5 out of 7 federal criminal charges after a 6-day jury trial before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon.

The jury convicted Cosby on one count of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of transporting a minor for prostitution.

According to documents in the case, between December 2014 and February 2015, Cosby caused two minor females to engage in prostitution at his apartment in Hammond, Indiana, and other nearby locations. Cosby met one victim, then 14 years old, through an online dating website. Cosby took sexually explicit images of the victim at his apartment, which he then transmitted to prostitution customers and posted online. Cosby transported a second minor victim, then 15 years old, across state lines to a hotel in Lansing, Illinois, where he caused her to engage in prostitution. Cosby took sexually explicit images of the second victim and posted the images on a website advertising prostitution.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and members of the Northwest Indiana Human Trafficking Working Group. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Jill Koster.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Larry Norton, age 66, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 1 kilogram or more of heroin. He was found guilty after a 6-day jury trial in May of 2017.

Norton was sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to documents in this case, Norton faced a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment without release because he has two prior final felony drug convictions. Norton’s criminal history actually consisted of three felony drug convictions, two convictions for dealing and distributing cocaine (one federal and one state) and another conviction for possessing cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which includes FBI, Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Stacy R. Speith and Anthony W. Geller.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Dean Zimmerman, age 48, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann on his plea of guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Zimmerman was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. Restitution was ordered payable to the victims, United Technologies Electronic Controls, Inc. and PayPal, Inc. the total sum of $346,753.33, and a 1 million dollar money judgement was also entered. Additionally, 103 items, which include sums of U.S. currency and various items of property (ie computers, jewelry, coins, firearms and vehicles) were ordered forfeited as proceeds of his criminal conduct.

According to documents filed in this case, from on or about January 1, 2014 and continuing until on or about May 17, 2016, Zimmerman conspired with his wife Linda Zimmerman to devise a scheme to obtain money through fraud by stealing property from his employer and then selling the stolen property on eBay and utilizing the United States Postal Service to deliver the stolen merchandise to unwitting buyers. Linda Zimmerman has plead guilty to the same charge, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and is awaiting sentencing.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and the Huntington Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND-Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announced that John Buncich, age 71, of Crown Point, Indiana was convicted of all 6 counts of the superseding indictment, after a 14-day jury trial before District Court Senior Judge James T. Moody.

John Buncich, Timothy Downs and William Szarmach were indicted in November 2016 on multiple federal charges. Buncich, the current Lake County Sheriff, served as sheriff from 1994-2002, and was re-elected in 2010 and again in 2014. Timothy Downs, formerly the Chief in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, was the second person in command at that Department; Downs was appointed to that position by Buncich. William Szarmach owns and operates CSA Towing in Lake Station, Indiana.

Pursuant to a Lake County ordinance, the sheriff has exclusive authority to determine who would do vehicle towing as required by the sheriff’s department. From February 2014 continuing into October 2016, Buncich devised a scheme to deprive the citizens of Lake County of their right to the honest services of the sheriff’s office. The scheme was designed to enrich Buncich personally and his campaign committee, known as Buncich Boosters. The trial evidence established that a number of checks and cash payments, often collected by Downs, from Szarmach and Scott Jurgensen were exchanged for Buncich awarding them county towing business and towing in the City of Gary for ordinance violations. Mr. Jurgenson, a former Merrillville Police Officer, is the owner of Sampson Relocation and Towing. Mr. Jurgenson provided significant assistance to the United States during the course of this investigation.

The jury convicted Buncich of 5 counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud in connection with this scheme. The jury also convicted Buncich of a charged violation of the federal bribery statute in connection with corruptly soliciting, demanding, and receiving over $25,000 in cash and $7,000 in checks in exchange for favorable actions by Buncich regarding the towing contracts.

Both Szarmach and Downs, who both testified at trial, await sentencing on their guilty pleas to the following charges in the indictment: Timothy Downs entered a plea of guilty to one count of Honest Services Wire Fraud and; William Szarmach entered a plea of guilty to three counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, Bribery and Failure to File a Tax Return.

Acting United States Attorney Clifford Johnson states that “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously prosecute public officials who use their public office as means for personal enrichment. All citizens deserve public officials who work for the public interest and not their own interest.”

"Public officials who abuse their positions for personal financial gain at the expense of the taxpayers will not be tolerated. The FBI and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to aggressively pursue those across Indiana who corrupt their office for self-serving motives," said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. "Also instrumental in these investigations are the honest and patriotic citizens who come forward and assist in uncovering the truth as was the case in Lake County."

Gabriel Grchan, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge stated, "Taxpayers expect their elected officials to protect and improve their communities. Rather than serve his community Buncich abused his position and devised a pay-to-play towing scheme that benefited him and few others financially. Today's verdict reminds us that public corruption will not be tolerated and no one is above the law."

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip C. Benson and Maria N. Lerner.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Anthony Huey, 34, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Prostitution.

Huey was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release. Restitution to the minor victim, if any, will be decided within the next 30 days.

According to documents in this case, from on or about October 3, 2014 to on or about October 6, 2014, Huey transported Jane Doe, whom he knew to be under the age of 18, from Indiana to Illinois, with the purpose that she engage in prostitution.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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HAMMOND- Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Eric M. Dillon, 28, of Gary, Indiana was sentenced before Judge Philip P. Simon for Armed Robbery and Use of a Firearm to Cause Death during a Crime of Violence.

Dillon was sentenced to consecutive sentences of 240 months for armed robbery and 270 months for using the firearm to cause death for a total sentence of 510 months imprisonment.

According to documents in this case, on January 20, 2016, at approximately 4:30 am, Dillon entered the 7-Eleven store at 6031 Hohman Avenue in Hammond, Indiana with a handgun, demanded money, and shot and killed the store clerk, Roger Unton.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Hammond Police Department with assistance from the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. McGrath and Jennifer Chang.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Johnny Jones, 39, of Benton Harbor, Michigan was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

Jones was sentenced to 145 months of imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release. The sentence is to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed by a federal district court in Nevada.

According to documents in this case, Jones was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture and of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One of his co-defendants (Stephine Smith) has already been sentenced to 41 months in prison. The other co-defendant (Jen-nai Rowland) is still awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force with the assistance of the St. Joseph Count Drug Investigations Unit and Michigan Southwest Enforcement Team. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.

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SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Justin C. Pratt, 34, of LaPorte, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for receiving child pornography.

Pratt was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $5000 in restitution.

According to documents in this case, between April 2014 and July 2015, Pratt used his cell phone to download child pornography images and videos from the internet.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Japheth Sims, age 29, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann on his plea of guilty to the crime of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Sims was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, August 19, 2016, Sims possessed a firearm after having been convicted of felony Possession of Cocaine.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Bobby Ray Dejohnette, 46, of Lansing, Illinois, was sentenced on July 26, 2017 by District Court Judge James T. Moody for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Dejohnette was sentenced to 170 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in this case, in 2015 an investigation revealed that Dejohnette conspired with others to sell crack cocaine within the Northern District of Indiana. A search of his then residence in Calumet City, Illinois revealed that he maintained both drugs and firearms within the residence.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, Hammond Police Department, Calumet City Police Department and with assistance from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas McGrath and Abizer Zanzi.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Antonio Cortez Harris, age 25, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Harris was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, on or about February 9, 2016, Harris possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

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FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that Ronnie Rutherford Jr., age 40, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann on federal convictions of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Rutherford was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.

According to documents filed in this case, between December 30, 2013 and February 17, 2014, Ruthererford possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm after having been convicted felony Attempted Burglary and felony Theft.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of Fort Wayne Police Department and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

HAMMOND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hammond has returned an indictment against William Moit, age 70, who was formerly a resident of Rensselaer, Indiana but now resides in Westfield, Indiana.

According to documents in this case, Moit, who was convicted in Jasper County, Indiana in 2000 for possessing child pornography and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, was charged, in the federal indictment, with receiving child pornography.

If you have any information about Moit’s activities involving children, please contact Task Force Officer Jones at the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 219-942-4900.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.

If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill R. Koster.

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